False choices, false answers

FALSE CHOICES, FALSE ANSWERS…. House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) was asked last week about the future of the Republican Party, and whether it rested with the more moderate Scott Brown or the more radical Sarah Palin. Cantor replied:

“I’m going to probably say that’s a false choice.”

Yesterday, a reporter noted that some Republicans think Arizona’s new immigration law goes too far, while other Republicans endorse it. Asked which group he falls into, Cantor said:

…I thought the whip’s job was to get caucus members to vote “yes” or “no” on legislation…. Given that job description and the strong-arm tactics needed to be effective, I’m certain Cantor wouldn’t accept “I think that’s a false choice” from his caucus. So he shouldn’t expect us to accept it from him.

Sometimes it’s easier to get away with this line than others, but support or opposition on the Arizona measure seems pretty straightforward. This “false choice” crutch sounds like a weak copout because it is.

I know many GOP leaders are afraid to comment on the state law, but these dodges have a short shelf-life.